Yes, We Can! - Strategies for Raising Compensation for the Child Care Workforce

Inadequate compensation of the early care and education (ECE) workforce has been a persistent problem in the U.S. and has reached a critical juncture. Particularly in the current economic environment, childcare providers are struggling to find and retain qualified educators, leaving fewer options for parents and less quality care and education for their young children. At the same time, those who do serve as early childhood educators, disproportionately women and individuals of color, often contend with low pay, limited benefits, and few opportunities for job advancement. In the face of these challenges, some states and localities are beginning to take meaningful steps to change the compensation trajectory for the ECE workforce.
This webinar presents information gained from Abt’s extensive ECE and career pathways research and technical assistance to highlight the compensation challenges faced by the ECE workforce and potential policy solutions. Guest speakers shared the strategies their states and localities have pursued, including implementing a compensation schedule, establishing a pay equity fund, and providing health insurance coverage for ECE workers. The webinar provides policymakers, practitioners, and advocates with lessons to move the needle on compensation for the ECE workforce.
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